Upon hearing Zhou Sichen's words, the Fragrant Silk Beauty Immortal Herb finally understood his relationship to that person.
Since Zhou Sichen knew about the existence of that book, it was undeniable proof that he truly was that person's junior.
After all, with that man's level of power, there was no way an ordinary young soul master like Zhou Sichen could have obtained such a hidden and critical piece of information—unless he were truly connected.
What the Fragrant Silk Beauty didn't know, however, was that Zhou Sichen was just as much of a walking cheat as Tang San himself.
The petals quivered slightly as the Fragrant Silk Beauty murmured:
"I understand now. He once said this book could only be left to his descendants—or to those fated."
"You may not be his descendant by blood, but you are clearly fated. So if you wish to obtain that book… it's not impossible."
A faint trace of joy flickered in Zhou Sichen's eyes.
Getting access to the Immortal Herb Manual and Tang Sect's unique poison techniques would be immensely helpful. After all, his own knowledge of immortal herbs was limited to what had appeared in the original story.
But the Icefire Yin Yang Well held many other immortals—most of which were highly toxic.
With that book, he could fully master and exploit this treasure trove.
"So, what must I do?" Zhou Sichen asked.
The Fragrant Silk Beauty replied,
"If you want the book, you must complete two tasks: prove you're his descendant, and then pass the trial."
"You've already proven yourself as his junior. Now, only the trial remains."
Zhou Sichen feigned ignorance.
"What kind of trial?"
The Fragrant Silk Beauty's tone suddenly turned serious:
"The trial is simple… but dangerous."
"If you fail, you may die here. That was his decree."
"He said this is a land beyond the world—its existence must never be known by the wrong people. If someone pretends to be his descendant, they must pay with their life."
Zhou Sichen's expression shifted slightly, though inwardly he was amused.
He knew perfectly well that there was no real trial. As long as one could prove a connection to Tang San, this place was essentially a private garden.
Seeing Zhou Sichen "hesitate," the Fragrant Silk Beauty added:
"You've already earned the right to choose seven immortal herbs and leave. But if you still want that book, you must undergo the trial."
Zhou Sichen fell silent for a moment, then finally said:
"Entrusted by another, I must fulfill the task. Since there's a chance to acquire the book, I will not give it up."
The Fragrant Silk Beauty seemed moved by his conviction.
"Are you sure you want to undergo the trial?" she asked gently.
"I'm sure," Zhou Sichen replied with a firm nod.
There was a strange tone in the Fragrant Silk Beauty's voice now:
"Very well. The trial is simple—you must eat a certain herb. If you survive, you pass. If not… it proves you are unworthy."
Zhou Sichen couldn't help but laugh inwardly.
This was really a test of psychological resolve.
If someone was an impostor, they'd definitely hesitate—because they'd believe the herb was deadly.
And no one would doubt the words of a hundred-thousand-year soul beast—the current ruler of this valley.
But Zhou Sichen was different.
He knew exactly what the trial entailed—and that the herb in question was a beneficial immortal, handpicked to match him.
Eating it wouldn't harm him—in fact, it would grant tremendous benefits and help him earn their full trust.
If he refused to eat, it would reveal guilt. And at that moment, a swarm of ten-thousand- and hundred-thousand-year-old immortals would no doubt rise up and annihilate him instantly.
So Zhou Sichen didn't hesitate. He looked surprised instead.
"That's all?"
The Fragrant Silk Beauty wasn't the least bit shocked by his reaction—his earlier responses had already convinced her.
This final step was simply an extra layer of caution. After all, no impostor would dare take such a gamble.
Zhou Sichen smiled lightly.
"If that's all, I believe I'm ready."
At this point, Tianmeng commented from the spiritual sea:
"Sichen, we don't have to worry about her poisoning us. The Fragrant Silk Beauty's greatest power is her antitoxin ability! That's why no other herbs grow near her—she purifies everything."
"If you get poisoned near her, just breathe deeply—you'd have a hard time dying even if you wanted to."
Zhou Sichen gave a slight nod. He already understood—and he could even guess which herb would be chosen for him.
Taking two steps forward, he spoke solemnly:
"Please present the herb for me to consume."
"Heehee! Sure! You're so brave. Let me think… what would suit you best?"
The Fragrant Silk Beauty sounded delighted, her giant pink bloom swaying cheerfully.
Zhou Sichen remained still as her petals fluttered. A purple light emerged from her stamen and drifted toward him.
He didn't resist—he knew she was scanning his physical and spiritual attributes to select the most compatible immortal herb.
And since this was essentially an open-book exam, how could someone like Zhou Sichen—armed with foreknowledge—not get a perfect score?
He expanded his spiritual power to its fullest. With his Innate Martial Soul, his abilities were exceptionally balanced.
But due to his first soul ring being a million-year spirit-type, granted by Tianmeng, his spiritual power was his most exceptional trait.
After a moment, the purple light returned. The Fragrant Silk Beauty muttered to herself:
"I see… then this one will do."
Another burst of purple light shot from her stamen—this one flying more than a hundred meters toward a patch of vegetation.
After a brief pause, the light returned—bringing with it a humble-looking herb.
It was a simple green plant, but at its center were three pure white leaves, with droplets of water clinging to them like morning dew.
Zhou Sichen instantly recognized it:
"Longing Dewdrop. Said to grant piercing insight, allowing one to see through illusions and rare phenomena."
Though the description was obviously exaggerated, it was a top-tier herb for enhancing spiritual power.
And with Zhou Sichen's already advanced spiritual strength, ingesting it could lead to unexpected breakthroughs.
Carried by the Fragrant Silk Beauty's purple light, the herb soon floated in front of him.
Zhou Sichen already knew how it should be consumed, but still asked:
"How should I take it?"
The Fragrant Silk Beauty answered:
"Before that… let me ask you one question. Regardless of who told you about this place—why did you come to the Icefire Yin Yang Well?"
Zhou Sichen smiled faintly.
"To become stronger… and to protect those around me."
The response was somewhat vague—but perfectly in line with his persona.
Someone willing to risk death by braving the poison fields clearly had determination.
After all, that man had also faced life and death before securing his place here.
The Fragrant Silk Beauty swayed gently, then said softly:
"Open your mouth. Tilt your head back."
****
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